Thought Leadership

On Wednesday 24 May Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) brought colleagues, partners, peers and collaborators from across the sector together with politicians and policymakers in the House of Lords to discuss how British business can deliver better for our economy and society. With a general election approaching, now is the time to push for progress and make the case for a different way of doing business - one that centres the incredible work being caried out by the tens of thousands of social enterprises, cooperatives, community companies and other purpose-led businesses which are delivering for Britain. Opening the event, SEUK’s chair Lord Victor Adebowale explained: “We are significant, and yet we don’t have the voice that we should have for the major contributions we make to the current economy and all we could do in the future.” He set the scene for the challenges facing the UK economy, as widening inequality and the climate crisis transcend political divisions, making a rallying cry for all parties to address the fundamental structures of how we do business in order to address these burning issues. He issued an invitation and a challenge to raise the profile of the transformative impact of social enterprises and other mission-led businesses, which renowned economist Kate Raworth then argued must be at the heart of political and economic discussions. Changing business structures ‘Doughnut Economics’ author Kate Raworth proposes a radically different way of approaching the economy, moving from a system based on endless growth to one that meets the needs of all people within the means of the living planet. She said: “The aim is to create a safe and just space in which humanity can thrive, and to get there requires a fundamental rewiring of the economy and the way in which businesses themselves are structured.” In conversation with Victor, Kate posed the question of how businesses should be owned and designed in order to serve the needs of people and planet – and, in many ways, the answer to this could be found in the organisations represented in the room. Social enterprises, co-operatives and other purpose-driven business models offer the proof of concept needed for a new economy. Presenting the ongoing crisis of inequality and climate breakdown as an opportunity to show people the possibility of a different future, Kate urged: “Let’s make this visible, seed it and spread it and help people see: this is a not just viable but a crucial way of redesigning our economy in service of the future.” Kate was joined by her Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL) colleague Erinch Sahan, whose work looks at challenging the deep design of business. He outlined how traditional models of ownership, governance and profit distribution place businesses in a straitjacket, with everything reliant on financial returns and maximising shareholder value – while social enterprise offers more diverse structures and innovative ways of working. He concluded that: “Social enterprise is the experimentation ground for those ideas that will hopefully take root in wider business and the future of the world economy.” Join the campaign This event kicks off a new campaign to shape the future of the British economy, bringing together champions of change from across business sectors and political spectrums, to elevate the profile of our growing movement through until the next election and beyond. As we get closer to 2023’s general election, we will ramp up activity to ensure that politicians, policy-makers and other key decision makers hear the voices of organisations that offer real solutions to build a fairer and more equitable country. Join our campaign and help us transform the potential of British business. More information can be found here >> https://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/business-plan-for-britain/ Thank you to all the organisations, MPs and Peers who attended this event and especially to our campaign partners:

Social Enterprise Barometer reports are published quarterly to provide a snapshot of social enterprise performance as well as how specific economic and political developments are affecting social enterprises. The April 2023 survey of 96 social enterprises found that overall, projected growth figures are up on last quarter. Projected turnover and profit figures are also positive, with 40% anticipating turnover will grow and 77% expecting to break even or make a profit this financial year. Compared with last quarter, the new report shows a significant decrease in the number of social enterprises expecting to contract and a modest increase in those expecting to grow. Social enterprise turnover positions remain more positive than for other forms of business, while growth expectations are less confident but slowly increasing toward mid-Covid 2021 levels. Although social enterprises are more resilient in crises than other forms of business, as shown in Covid lockdowns and the 2008 financial crash, recovery is also slower. Social enterprises cite a range of reasons for this, including uncertainty in funding and contract income, to ability to meet increased staffing costs. Rising operating costs in the ongoing economic crisis remain a concern, with more than half of social enterprises forecasting staff cost increases and 41% expecting bigger energy bills. Staff numbers have grown consistently over the last two quarters, despite most respondents reporting higher staff costs. Social enterprises report increasing their staff pay to match inflation as “critical” – but also note varying capacity to do so, minimal impact of pay increases to cover the full impact of cost increases, and pressure on staff due to rising demand when resources can’t keep pace. A few social enterprises reported that increased costs have impacted their delivery of goods or services. Other themes that emerged were the recognition of staff burnout, a reduction in profit and a reduction in investment. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

Social Enterprise UK has collaborated with the Co-operative Party, to produce a new report exploring how we can make the UK the best place to start an alternative business. Alternative businesses, including social enterprises and co-operatives are key for delivering shared prosperity and building a more resilient economy. However, many of these businesses face distinct challenges that can hinder their development and growth. This new report puts forward an ambitious yet practical policy recommendations, aimed at nurturing those businesses that believe in more than profit. Through improving access to finance, simplifying governance, and building networks, we can create a richer, more diverse business community that will address the entrenched challenges our country faces. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ALTERNATIVE BUSINESS REVIEW

Commenting on the May 2023 local elections, Peter Holbrook CEO of Social Enterprise UK said: Social Enterprise UK sends warm congratulations to candidates who were elected during last week’s Local Elections. We have seen significant shifts in council make-up across the country. People want their local councillors to ensure community services work for them, that local issues are addressed, and that democracy delivers. Social enterprises are playing an increasingly valuable role in supporting local communities, delivering economic prosperity, and bringing people together to address local challenges. We hope that newly elected representatives will take time to engage with local social enterprises and support them through this period of economic uncertainty.

We pass on our very best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III and all those celebrating the coronation this weekend. The King has a long association with social enterprise, founding Duchy Originals as a social enterprise which donates 100% of profits to supporting young disadvantaged people right across the UK. Through the Prince’s Trust, he has enabled thousands of aspiring social entrepreneurs to get their ideas off the ground and create positive change in their communities and beyond. We thank him for his dedication to supporting the next generation of social entrepreneurs and his commitment to responsible business practices and the protection of our natural world.  

The award-winning service for adults with disabilities, Nickel Support, has launched their new shop “Interestingly Different”, which sources and sells a wide range of beautiful products all created, designed and/or packaged by adults with learning disabilities or facing life challenges. Interestingly Different, the gift and homewares store with a difference has re-opened after being transformed in a spectacular renovation. The shop in Carshalton, Sutton,  sells an incredible and varied selection of high quality gifts and homewares. The social enterprise has also relaunched its website, giving shoppers the choice of buying in person or online. All of the products being sold are made by social enterprises supporting marginalised groups across the country. However, as well as providing a unique place for shoppers who want to shop more consciously, Interestingly Different’s core goal is to provide training and employment opportunities for their 100 trainees who all have a learning disability and/or autism, and thus enabling them to lead a purposeful and fulfilled life. Just 4.8% of adults with learning disabilities are in paid employment. Nick Walsh and Elena Nicola set out to change this statistic over 10 years ago when they founded Nickel Support after they had become disillusioned by the learning disability sector as a whole. They felt that people with learning disabilities were being short changed by some of the more traditional services, and that they deserved so much more, including more opportunities for paid employment. Amongst their other strands of support, Nickel Support and Interestingly Different have helped address this lack of opportunities by launching various enterprises, including upcycling furniture and the development of a range of hugely popular jams and chutneys. Nick Walsh, Nickel Support’s Operations Director commented: “The enterprises have been fantastic for harnessing the skills and abilities of the trainees. However, as the enterprises grew it became obvious that there was scope for widening the areas in which trainees could gain skills, as well as to provide more opportunities for paid employment. We put our heads together, successfully secured funding, and set about refurbishing and expanding Interestingly Different.” After various months of hard work, the shop was transformed into the beautiful light and airy space it is now. On February 3rd, 2023, Elliot Coburn MP cut the ribbon alongside a group of trainees and declared the shop open for business. The launch of the physical shop was also an opportunity to announce the count-down to the online store, which went live a few weeks later. Interestingly Different now sources and sells a wide range of products from over 15 other UK based social enterprises, all of whom are working with adults with disabilities or facing life challenges. The shop offers a unique opportunity for the trainees to acquire the vast range of skills required for employment in the retail industry such as fulfilment, customer service, and till work to name a few. The shop also works with corporate clients to help with their gifting needs. Seeing Interestingly Different’s trainees working in the shop - be it behind the till and serving customers, or downstairs packaging up online orders - you can really sense that this is a place where they are valued, and are being equipped with vital skills for the workplace. One trainee commented, “The training has given me the self belief and confidence to work”. There are currently five Interestingly Different trainees in paid employment, a number they hope to increase in the near future as the shop gets busier. Interestingly Different is open Monday - Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and their  website, https://interestinglydifferent.co.uk/ is currently offering a 10% discount off your first order when you sign up to their newsletter. They also work with corporate clients in making gift hampers.  Each and every purchase helps towards the greater goal of an inclusive society where adults with disabilities are able to meet their potential and live a purposeful and fulfilled life. Interestingly Different is part of their parent organisation, Nickel Support. Nickel Support is a pioneering, award winning, not-for-profit community interest company set up in 2012, which works with over 100 adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. Nickel Support is based in Sutton and now work with over 100 adults with learning disabilities across their two branches in Carshalton and Cheam. Nickel Support was a finalist in the 2022 National SME Business Awards as well as in the 2022 Social Enterprise Awards; and has recently been shortlisted for the 2023 Small Awards. For further information or quotes regarding Nickel Support, please contact Nick Walsh, nick.walsh@nickel.org.uk , 020 8669 5567. For further information or quotes regarding Interestingly Different, please contact Ashley Walsh, ashley.walsh@nickel.org.uk , 020 8669 5567. For a press-pack of high resolution images please contact Ashley Walsh as per the above details. Interestingly Different has also written articles for a number of publications. If you would be interested in article provision, please contact hello@interestinglydifferent.co.uk. Interestingly Different & Nickel Support, 15 & 16 The Parade, Benyon Road, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3RL www.nickel.org.uk www.interestinglydifferent.co.uk

Date: Thursday 6 July (10.00am – 16.15pm) Location: IET Birmingham, Austin Court After a four-year absence, Plunkett Foundation is running its first face-to-face conference since 2019, bringing members, advisers, and experts together for a one-day networking and knowledge sharing event. Facing the Future Together will take place in July in the heart of Birmingham and promises an exciting, enlightening and inspiring day of key note addresses, expert panels, and interactive workshops, as well as one to one sessions with specialised business advisers. The jam packed schedule will celebrate the growing community business movement and address the priority areas in Plunkett’s five-year strategy, examining how community businesses can: Provide a wider range of services that communities need and value Stimulate the local economy through localised supply chains Boost opportunities for employment, training and volunteering, particularly benefitting those who are most disadvantaged and excluded in today’s society Offset climate change through environmentally-friendly practices Harness digital technologies to enhance business performance Promote diversity and inclusion by creating a safe and welcoming space for all Designed in collaboration with Plunkett Foundation members, the programme includes a mix of sessions to appeal to community businesses of all shapes and sizes; from new groups to well-established and trading businesses, from all corners of the UK, and for all business types. Claire Spendley, Head of Community Business at Plunkett, said: “I’m really excited to be able to bring community businesses together to learn from each other and share experiences, after such a prolonged period of change and challenge, for the first Plunkett conference since 2019. Whilst we understand that the communities we work with are still navigating a challenging operating environment, we know that community businesses up and down the UK are pulling together to make a genuine, positive impact for local people – and we want to share these stories and inspire those involved in community business to see the opportunities they have to make a difference”. Confirmed speakers for the event include representatives from national funders, community sector bodies, partners from the cooperative movement, authors, and campaigners and of course community businesses themselves. Sam Ross, Plunkett Member, Secretary at Farmborough Community Shop and confirmed panellist said: “Plunkett plays an important role in encouraging community businesses to run as thriving, sustainable businesses, to ensure they are competitive, and invest in their people. There is no substitute for coming face-to-face to discuss these issues”  The full details of the event can be accessed via the Plunkett Foundation website, and members are advised to make use of the early bird discounts on tickets, before 30 April 2023. Plunkett is grateful to all the partners, supporters and market place contributors that have made the event possible. If you’re organisation is interested in sponsoring the event please get in touch with Sarah Benn, Memberships & Training Manager -sarah.benn@plunkett.co.uk For more information about the conference or to discuss any of the content on offer please contact the Plunkett Membership team via membership@plunkett.co.uk For media information and images contact Becky Mew, Communications Manager, Plunkett Foundation. Becky.mew@plunkett.co.uk Notes to editors The full conference programme, including confirmed speakers found here https://plunkett.co.uk/facing-the-future-together/ Who is the Plunkett Foundation? Plunkett Foundation is a national charity with a vision for resilient, thriving and inclusive rural communities. To achieve this, we support people in rural areas to set up and run a wide range of businesses which are genuinely owned by local communities, whereby members have equal and democratic control. We represent community businesses in rural and urban areas throughout the UK, from shops and pubs through to woodlands, farms and fisheries. Through our support for community businesses, we have a specific mission to create innovative, impactful and inclusive spaces. We achieve this by helping community businesses to: Provide a wider range of services and amenities that communities value and need Stimulate the local economy through localised supply chains Boost opportunities for employment, training and volunteering Benefit people who are most disadvantaged and excluded in today’s society Offset climate change through delivery of environmentally sustainable initiatives Harness digital technologies to enhance business performance Promote equality, diversity and inclusion by creating safe and welcoming spaces for all. Plunkett represents nearly 750 community businesses throughout the UK. In practical terms, Plunkett raises awareness of the community business model UK-wide and provides business support and training to help these businesses start-up and go on to thrive. As a membership organisation, we also seek to represent the interests of rural community businesses. What is a community business? Any type of business that trades for community benefit and which is democratically owned and controlled by the local community. The growing community business movement: There are nearly 750 community-owned businesses in the UK, including 164 community pubs, 413 community shops, 59, land-based businesses plus an interesting mix of bakeries, bookshops, distillery's, woodlands and farms. The long-term survival rates for community business is very high at 96% (Compared to 44% for SME from the Office of National Statistics)

More than a million businesses in the UK could be supported to formally transition to social enterprises, based on their current engagement with social issues, according to new research. Social Enterprise UK’s (SEUK) newly-launched ‘Transitions’ report reveals that as many as a fifth of SMEs in the UK aspire to make a positive social impact – but are not currently operating formally as social enterprises. This means more than a million organisations have the scope to transition to social enterprise status, and contribute more to the economy and society in doing so. As a result of its findings, SEUK is encouraging businesses in the UK to consider their status and learn more about how they could benefit from transitioning to a new model. Operating as a social enterprise allows a business to lock in its social and environmental purpose, ensure profits benefit that purpose, and enjoy wide-ranging benefits for staff, customers and clients by reaching new markets and developing new products and services. Social enterprises also regularly enjoy enhanced reputations, customer loyalty and employee engagement, whilst having wider access to funders and financers motivated by social impact. Peter Holbrook, CEO at SEUK, said: “Whilst we acknowledge the fantastic work of existing social enterprises in benefiting our economy and society, our research identifies that a huge number of other businesses are not maximising the opportunities available to them from social enterprise models and solutions. “No social enterprise is the same, either, so there are a variety of options for companies wishing to transition – for example, a small tech firm may be best suited to a co-operative model, employee ownership may fit a bigger retail business or a trust model could work well for a business running a heritage asset. “Therefore, we encourage businesses to find out more and understand if transitioning to a new model is viable for them, so they can reach their potential and make an even greater difference to the world as a social enterprise.” Read the full report here